ST. PIERRE PROVEN BEST EVER; RISING HENDRICKS IN PURSUIT

It is undeniable, Georges St. Pierre is the greatest welterweight in UFC history. Long considered to be the case in popular opinion, the statistics now back it up as well.

With his manhandling of Nick Diaz in the main event of 158, St. Pierre now holds the record for most title defenses and consecutive title defenses at welterweight with eight. He is also second in most title defenses. Anderson Silva, undefeated in the UFC with 16 wins, holds the record with 10. St. Pierre’s 18 Octagon wins tie him for first in the history of the promotion, tied only with Matt Hughes, who is retired and was defeated by “Rush” twice.

The most historically significant victory of the night, however, did not belong to the Canadian future Hall of Famer. Instead, the future star of the division finally solidified his place as next in line for a title shot, and Johnny Hendricks is going to win it.

Much like St. Pierre relentlessly pursued Matt Hughes nearly a decade ago, Hendricks has risen through the ranks in dominant fashion, each win more impressive than the next, as a legendary champion edges nearer to the edge of the end of a career that can be stopped by nothing but Father Time — and a younger, hungrier version of himself rapping at the door.

While Hendricks is just two years younger than the champion, he approaches the sport with the same zeal and “take anyone they put in front of me” attitude as the up-and-coming St. Pierre of old. He is electrifying to fans and has a ridiculous wrestling game that serves as his base. His presence glints with the same star power that makes people believe that he is the next big thing.

Momentum in sports can play a huge role in the climb to the top. Hendricks has been gunning for a title shot, running up three “Knockout of the Night” bonuses thanks to his devastating left hand, and it’s hard not to think that the UFC has been hoping to hold that off for a little longer.

The co-main event of UFC 158 was supposed to feature Carlos Condit against Rory MacDonald. St. Pierre just beat Condit decisively and has been quoted repeatedly as having no interest in MacDonald, his training partner and good friend. MacDonald has said the same.

Meanwhile, Hendricks — after earning a No. 1 contender spot following his last first-round KO on the same card that saw Condit go down to St. Pierre — was relegated to lesser-regarded Jake Ellenberger. That gave the winner of the co-main event a more direct route to contention. After MacDonald fell out due to an injury, Hendricks stepped up to face Condit and left no doubt who should fight St. Pierre next.

“Big Rig,” as he is known, is a two-time Division I wrestling champion and four-time All-American from Oklahoma State, and finished as national runner-up his senior year with a 56-1 record. The guy knows tough competition and he knows how to grind, but it has been his devastating knockout power that has defined him in the UFC.

Against Condit, one of the most talented all-around MMA fighters in the game, he proved that he has the total package. He broke his left hand early in the fight and adapted his wrestling and jiu-jitsu game to handle Condit for a unanimous decision. St. Pierre called Condit the toughest opponent he has ever faced and took extensive damage from him in their fight. Hendricks suffered barely a scratch.

There has been a much-talked-about superfight between No. 2 ranked pound-for-pound St. Pierre against No. 1 Anderson Silva, and if they are going to do it, now is the only time. Johnny “Big Rig” Hendricks can no longer be held at bay, and when St. Pierre fights him, he will be going against a truck.